Transport cost optimization & freight cost management

Key points on reducing transport costs at a glance

Transport cost optimisation is a key lever in supply chain management, operating directly at the interface between strategic network design and operational logistics management. It is particularly crucial for global companies that manage complex supply chains and are confronted with volatile markets and an acute shortage of transport capacity. A measurable outcome of this optimisation is a significantly reduced “cost-to-serve”, coupled with improved on-time delivery rates and end-to-end transparency across all cost drivers. By working with ebp-consulting, you benefit from proven benchmarks, standardised process models and the use of state-of-the-art IT tools to address these challenges holistically and sustainably.

Successfully reducing transport costs and easing the strain on the logistics budget

“Successful transport cost optimisation not only reduces expenditure but transforms rigid logistics budgets into agile competitive advantages for the entire supply chain.”

Andreas Michalski
Managing Partner

Challenges in transport cost optimisation

The design and management of transport networks are complicated by a multitude of external and internal disruptive factors. A glaring shortage of transport capacity due to a lack of vehicles and drivers is leading to massive bottlenecks across all sectors. At the same time, unreliable sea container transport and a sharp rise in freight rates are creating risks that are virtually impossible to predict in budget planning. ebp-consulting possesses the expertise and data-driven solutions to overcome precisely these challenges and significantly optimise your transport costs.

Rising Freight Rates and Price Pressure

The continuous and, in some cases, unpredictable rise in freight rates is placing a significant strain on the profitability of logistics networks. Companies often struggle to offset these price rises through internal efficiency gains or to negotiate terms in line with market conditions. ebp-consulting addresses this issue through in-depth market benchmarking to ensure sustainable advice on optimising transport costs and effectively stabilising rates.

Capacity Shortages and unreliable transport services

The acute shortage of drivers and highly fluctuating availability of sea containers are leading to massive delays in global supply chains. This unreliability often forces shippers to resort to expensive special shipments or inefficient alternative routes. Through strategic service provider management and forward-looking allocation concepts, ebp-consulting offers tried-and-tested solutions to secure capacity and reduce transport costs.

Lack of cost transparency and inefficient cost control

Complex tariff structures, variable surcharges for fuel or tolls, and incorrect freight invoices often obscure the true cost drivers. Without digital controlling tools and a rigorous invoice verification process, companies miss out on enormous potential for cost recovery. ebp-consulting solves this problem by digitising freight cost controlling, identifying billing errors and thus continuously optimising your expenditure.

Our key areas of focus in transport cost optimisation

Successful restructuring of logistics networks requires a robust toolkit that covers both strategic and operational dimensions. These strategic and operational priorities are essential to any process restructuring in order to ensure long-term profitability. This is precisely where ebp-consulting comes in, focusing on the key levers that deliver measurable results.

Creating transparency in transport costs

A comprehensive analysis of freight rates, variable surcharges and administrative costs forms the foundation of any transport cost optimisation. By breaking down the Total Cost of Ownership in detail, we ruthlessly expose inefficient tariff structures. In our consultancy practice, we regularly find that simply establishing this transparency enables rapid quick wins and an immediate reduction in logistics costs.
Tool-Based Transport and Route Planning

The integration of modern Transport Management Systems (TMS) massively increases transparency and efficiency throughout the entire supply chain. Tactical and dynamic route planning minimises empty kilometres and reduces vehicle deployment. We implement data-driven planning tools for our clients that allow for simulations and optimise transport networks at the touch of a button.
Designing trimodal transport concepts

The intelligent modal shift between road, rail and water is a crucial lever for cost reduction and risk minimisation. By optimally combining different modes of transport, transit times can be stabilised and capacity bottlenecks circumvented. From our project experience, we know that diversified transport concepts greatly strengthen the resilience of the supply chain and help to save on transport costs in the long term.
Optimisation of transport capacity utilisation

Maximising load density through strategic cargo space optimisation significantly reduces unit costs per transport unit. We analyse shipment structures in detail and develop concepts such as milk runs or return journeys to optimise utilisation. This approach prevents companies from paying for unused cargo space and noticeably increases the efficiency of the fleets deployed.
Freight service procurement and benchmarking

Re-tendering transport services based on well-founded specifications ensures market-driven terms. We support the entire process, from service provider selection through to tough procurement negotiations and the standardisation of freight terms. Our experts use up-to-date market benchmarks to secure the very best deal for you and significantly reduce transport costs.
Green Logistics and CO₂ Reduction

Implementing CO₂-optimised transport concepts is not only an environmental necessity today, but also a key factor for business success. Through emissions tracking and the selection of more efficient routes, we reduce the environmental footprint of your supply chain. At ebp-consulting, we seamlessly combine sustainability goals with the financial optimisation of transport costs.

Logistics consulting in Stuttgart, Munich and Dortmund

Why reduce transport costs with ebp-consulting?

Company expertise in transport optimisation and freight service purchasing
Use of IT tools for transport and logistics cost optimisation
We develop sustainably optimised transport solutions
We use benchmarks to asses transport costs
We are familiar with the market of transport service providers
Use of TMS software to increase transparency in transport chains
Standardised procedure models and templates are part of our toolkit

Approach to transport cost optimisation with ebp-consulting

ebp-consulting’s approach is characterised by a holistic, data-driven end-to-end strategy. We support our clients from the initial strategic conceptualisation through precise planning to measurable operational implementation. In doing so, we utilise standardised process models, benchmarks and IT tools to minimise risks and maximise the ROI of logistics optimisation.

Transport optimisation and network design

In this area, ebp-consulting first establishes complete transparency regarding transport costs and, building on this, defines high-performance networks. What makes our approach unique is the tool-based simulation of trimodal transport concepts and specific regional freight forwarding operations before any physical changes are made. We implement targeted measures such as milk runs and cargo space optimisation, enabling you to optimise transport costs whilst conserving resources.

Strategic Freight Service Procurement

ebp-consulting does not treat freight service procurement as a mere procurement task, but as a strategic element of the supply chain. Our approach stands out from traditional consultancy approaches, as we provide operational support throughout the entire process – from potential analysis and the specification of requirements right through to the final procurement negotiations. We standardise freight terms and actively support you through professional coaching in the event of a potential switch to a new logistics service provider. This not only ensures optimal rates but also guarantees a smooth transition without any loss of quality.

Operational freight cost management

Excellent procurement is worthless without rigorous control over operational implementation. The ebp approach is characterised by meticulous freight and invoice verification, during which we systematically clarify freight cost discrepancies and reject unjustified claims. Unlike theoretical concepts, we implement pragmatic solutions such as the credit note procedure for transport service providers and drive forward the digitalisation of your freight cost control. This intensive implementation support ensures that projected savings actually materialise in the profit and loss account.

Insight in current topics

Optimization of transport concepts

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Control of freight cost accounts

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Freight service purchasing as a strategic element

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Contact us

We are there for you.
Your contact person

Irene Kocher

T +49 711 3917030

info@ebp-consulting.com

Questions and Answers

What is included in the transport costs?

The total costs consist of base freight rates, variable surcharges for fuel and tolls, as well as administrative costs for processing and invoice verification. A professional Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach also takes into account costs for insurance, packaging and capital tied up during the transport period. Only complete transparency regarding these cost drivers enables a sound identification of potential savings and inefficient tariff structures.

What optimisation methods are used in transport cost optimisation?

Among the most effective methods are strategic shipment consolidation to increase load density and targeted modal shift to utilise more cost-efficient modes of transport. This is complemented by data-driven freight rate benchmarking and automated tendering processes (e-sourcing) to secure market-competitive terms. Simulation tools also make it possible to validate complex network scenarios in advance for their cost and service impact before physical changes are implemented.

What measures can ebp-consulting implement to optimise transport costs?

The focus is on conducting manufacturer-neutral freight tenders and establishing proactive service provider management with robust KPI dashboards. We identify potential savings through detailed shipment structure analyses and support the physical implementation of new transport models right through to operational stabilisation, working directly on site. By using specialised analysis tools, we ensure the optimal balance between freight costs, transit times and the carbon footprint of your logistics operations.

What are the benefits of transport cost optimisation?

In addition to significantly reducing direct logistics costs, optimisation improves transparency across the entire supply chain and enhances on-time delivery through more stable processes. It creates scalable structures that respond agilely to market volatility and minimise reliance on individual carriers through a diversified carrier portfolio. This process transforms transport costs from a rigid budgetary burden into an actively controllable, strategic competitive advantage.

What impact does transport cost optimisation have on the entire supply chain?

It acts as a key driver in the S&OP process by reducing inventory levels and increasing global responsiveness through synchronised transport scheduling. An optimised transport structure sustainably reduces the ‘cost-to-serve’ and ensures supply stability even under volatile market conditions. In doing so, it makes a decisive contribution to the resilience of the entire end-to-end network and strengthens operational excellence against the competition.